It’s rock’n’roll night on Dancing With the Stars as we celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. And, to sprinkle a little bit of flavor, the guest judge this week is Flavor Flav. Now, whether or not he is qualified to judge ballroom dancing, he squeezed in with our other judges nonetheless. He had funny, incoherent remarks about the performances and scores that left some puzzled. Giving tens when they are not necessarily deserved just shows that he’s here for a good time, which works out for contestants, as a high score is a high score. There is also the added element of team dances this week, as contestants were separated into two teams, and co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough joined as well. Now, let’s get into the dances and who was eliminated.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
For our first dance of the night, we had Dylan Efron and his pro partner Daniella Karagach, and they danced the jive to I’m Still Standing by Elton John. Funny enough, Bruno Tonioli was in the music video for this song. They included some of his steps from the music video, though they fortunately did not include his outfit. However, this did not seem to save Efron, as the confidence that we have seen growing within the past weeks seemed to falter.
There was a nervous air around him, and his moves were not nearly as crisp as his partner’s. Flavor Flav said, “From the floor to the roof, that is the proof.” Tonioli said, “You just missed a pass,” and that it was “Absolutely Fabulous.” Carrie Ann Inaba said, “You had all the elements, but it seems you got stuck on the kicks and flips.” Derek Hough said, “When in doubt, get your abs out,” and “right action, more energy.” They scored a 36 out of 40
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy danced the paso doble to Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. We are truly seeing what Earl is capable of. Even though she has a major following that would have gotten her far in the competition no matter what, we see that she’s truly earning it. The Paso was carefully handled and towed the line between intensity and over-the-top seriousness. The side-by-side sections were gloriously synchronized. Tonioli said, “Paso doble bombshell.” Inaba said, “Alix Earle, you are in your fierce girl era.” Hough said, “pure paso power” and “rock’n’roll goddess.” Flavor Flav said, “Your timing was great.” They scored a 39 out of 40.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater danced contemporary to God Only Knows by The Beach Boys. We have nothing but the utmost respect for everything Richter and Slater have built and done together this season. But we are entering the territory where we’re wondering why Richter is still here, as it’s been amazing seeing him experience the love from the home audience all these past weeks, yet we know that other contestants are better.
Their song choice really encapsulated the bond between the partners, and it was a sweet gesture to each other. Inaba said, “A beautiful tribute to this beautiful partnership,” and “you’re teaching the people who don’t know how to dance how it feels to learn to dance.” Hough said, “Thank you for embracing the process.” Flavor Flav said, “Real good job out there,” and “right on point.” Tonioli said, “So charming, so tender,” and that Richter is “becoming the people’s champion.” They scored a 30 out of 40.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas also did a paso doble to No More Tears by Ozzy Osbourne. We have to agree with Inaba that Leavitt’s wobbly feet in the dance were noticeable, although other judges had not noticed it or commented on it. The judge does tend to catch some flak for her criticisms, but we do believe that in this case, she was right. Hough said, “This ballroom is officially on fire” and “totally metal.” Flavor Flav said, “The charisma was great,” and “your timing was on point.” Tonioli said “ferociously intense” and “you just did it, paso-bly.” Inaba said, “That was sick and amazing,” and “some trouble with the foot.” They scored a 39 out of 40.
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov danced contemporary to Dream On by Aerosmith. We have seen the positive attitude and work ethic all season long that Fishel has, but there wasn’t a lot of fire or energy behind her moves. It was a contemporary style dance, but the song was fierce. Fishel’s story of finding out she had cancer seemed like it would bring out an energy that would be unforgettable. Sadly, some of her movements felt half-hearted and flat. Flavor Flav said, “It was great,” and “you guys are on point.” Tonioli said, “You don’t give up, you stay resilient,” and that there was a “tiny mishap.” Inaba said, “You are small but pack a punch,” and that “you told the story.” Hough said, “You’re someone we root for, “and it was a “little disjointed here and there.” They scored a 34 out of 40.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendrix and her partner Alan Bersten danced the Viennese waltz to What the World Needs Now (Is Love) by Dionne Warwick. Out of all the rock’n’roll dances, Hendrix and Bersten’s was the most elegant. After last week’s injury and having to have less rehearsal time, Hendrix performed with a complete grasp of the choreography. We saw her gliding next to Bersten with an ease to herself, something that you’d hardly expect from someone with a strained muscle in their torso. We do hope that the physical demands of the next weeks to come will not hold her back due to the injury.
Tonioli said, “That was really a sumptuous performance,” and “you were literally glowing.” Inaba said, “When I watch you dance, it just feels so familiar,” and “the way you move is so grounded in love.” Hough said, “You’re resilient, you’re radiant, and you’re remarkable,” and “the world does need love right now.” Flavor Flav said, “You don’t move like you were hurt,” and “you healed up beautiful.” They scored a 37 out of 40.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Jordan Chiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, danced jazz to “River Deep – Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner. The choreography was packed with so many tricks, all of which Chiles nailed and had the audience on their feet. The last bit, where she was on the judge’s table, was worrying, as we weren’t sure she would land on it properly.
But it was the perfect way for Chiles to bounce back from any negative feelings and to remind everyone that she is in it to win it. Inaba said, “You did not disappoint,” and “you’re ballsy and you take the risk.” Hough said, “The queen of rock’n’roll and the queen of the ballroom.” Flavor Flav said, “You are a warrior and come out with a win.” Tonioli said “spectacular acrobatic display” and that it’s “so good to see your wild side.” They scored a 38 out of 40.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
Finally, we have Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, who performed a paso doble to Icky Thump by The White Stripes. We had the top three couples on the leaderboard all perform a paso doble this week, but Irwin seemed to have a steeper climb than, say, Leavitt or Earle. He had to fill the male lead role against the pros’ male leads. There were some missteps in the beginning, as Irwin danced for a while on his own, and they had a pretty cumbersome cape to deal with.
Though the partner work later on was intense, powerful, and electric. Hough said, “Robert the matador,” and that there was a “small hiccup.” Flavor Flav said, “You are the brand-new Fred Astaire,” and “love the performance.” Tonioli said, “The thunder from down under,” and “you really dominated.” Inaba said, “Incredible choreography,” and “you have something that will take you to the finish line,” and that there were “tiny wobbles.” They scored a 38 out of 40.
Team Chicago
For the team dances, we had the first team, Team Chicago, which was made up of Fishel, Leavitt, Chiles, Efron, and Ribeiro. They danced to 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago, who performed it live. Dressed in suits and ties, paired with black sunglasses, they took on the role of spies. Flavor Flav said, “I don’t care what nobody says, team Chi is the bomb.” Tonioli said, “like a Tarantino movie.” Inaba said, “That was so tight, so clean.” Hough said, “Well done, guys.” They earned a 40 out of 40.
Team Kool
We then had the team Kool dance to “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, who also performed live. The team was made up of Richter, Irwin, Earle, Hendrix, and Julianne Hough. They were dressed in graduation caps and gowns at first, with Julianne Hough in a suit and tie, holding an abnormally large pencil, as the teacher or professor.
They then took off the gowns and were in school uniforms. We think that the dancing could have been more difficult or challenging, but because the team consisted of Richter, it seemed that they had to dial it down a little. Tonioli said, “so much fun” and “it really was a celebration of friendship.” Inaba said, “It was fun and enjoyable.” Derek Hough said, “I loved it from start to finish.” Flavor Flav said, “Team Kool was cooler than four blocks of ice cubes.” They earned a 38 out of 40.
Elimination
We finally get to the elimination, and this week it was Fishel and Pashkov. This one might have been shocking to some people, as she and Richter were the lowest male and female collective scores, but if you were to put one against the other, Fishel would win. It is sad to see her go, and we hope that she had fun doing it. Next time, the show will be celebrating its twentieth birthday party; time sure does go by fast! We can’t wait to see who the guest judge will be and what surprises are to come in celebration of 20 years. Come back again to read the recap!
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